Documentation

Self Service Customs Declarations are here – A new service available form Norfolk ChamberCustoms

Norfolk ChamberCustoms is currently rolling out a new service for Importers and Exporters.

New software named ‘Exabler’, allows the Trader to key in the details of the products being declared, and has an upload facility for quick and easy attachment of Invoices, and other supporting documentation.

David Cowan, Customs Declaration Manager at Norfolk Chambers of Commerce said;

“I am currently working with a client who makes sizeable imports, one container at a time. Each can contain up to 99 declaration lines, with various commodity codes, countries of Origin, Duty and VAT details. The new software removes the need for the client to send us instructions detailing all of this. They can simply upload an excel spreadsheet into the software, and once all fields are completed, I as a customs Agent will be able to access it, check for compliance and accuracy, and then declare as correct against all corresponding information. In honesty it makes the whole process much more customer friendly, bringing the world of customs declarations into a far more user friendly working platform. The team and I are currently working with numerous Norfolk businesses to move them over to the new system.”

“This is a system which will of course benefit all businesses, small and large, with their Customs Declarations requirements. Over time, we see all existing  and future clients moving over to the new platform. In my opinion it is a real game changer…”

If you are interested in discussing how the new software, and Norfolk ChamberCustom’s expertise can benefit your business, give David Cowan a call on 01603 729 707

The Chamber is aware of a September update published by HMRC.

Trader Emails are planned for the 30th September, to 155,000 traders covering Import and Export Declarations. Trader Letters are also planned for issue during w/c 27 September to approximately 27,000 experienced GB traders who have not submitted import declarations since 1 January 2021, to remind them of the new customs requirements they must meet and let them know where they can get help.

In this letter HMRC will Remind traders they must declare all goods they import into GB from the EU and what process they must follow to delay declarations for non-controlled goods, directing them to clear guidance on GOV.UK.

The letter will also direct traders to the www.GOV.UK guidance on how to make an entry in their records and submit their supplementary declaration within 175 days of import, if they choose to delay their declarations. HMRC want to help traders feel supported through the new processes and signpost them to where they can get help.

David Cowan, International Declaration Manager said; “Norfolk ChamberCustoms should be your first port of call, where expert advice and service is available today. We can help you get your declarations right, first time, and support you through what can seem challenging at the start. Traders can contact me directly on 01603 729 707”

Norfolk Chambers of Commerce has been chosen to represent London Chamber of Commerce on advice, guidance and issuance of ATA Carnets in the East of England.

1. Do you have to take samples with you on your overseas sales trips?
2. Do you participate in Overseas Trade Fairs or Exhibitions?
3. Do you ever need to take Professional Equipment overseas?

If you can answer yes to any of these questions, you may find that using an ATA Carnet will make the trip so much easier. The ATA Carnet is an international customs document that permits duty/tax free TEMPORARY import of goods for up to one year.  Using an ATA Carnet cuts out the red tape for you at border points avoiding cash deposits and the like in the country of temporary importation. It can be used for multiple trips, is valid for one year and covers over 60 countries. Remember – the Carnet acts as a passport so whatever leaves the UK must always come back. The ATA Carnet provides a guarantee to the Customs of a foreign country into which the goods are temporarily imported that all duties, taxes etc. will be paid to them if the conditions under which they allow these into the country are breached. Carnets can cover almost anything: computers, repair tools, photographic and film equipment, musical instruments, industrial machinery, vehicles, jewellery, clothing, medical appliances, aircraft, race horses, old masters, prehistoric relics, ballet costumes and rock group sound systems are just some of the items that can cross borders duty-free and tax-free, thanks to ATA Carnets. There are three categories* that the goods can be used for:

• Commercial Samples
• Professional Equipment
• Exhibitions

*Restrictions on some countries may vary – contact the International Team for clarification All carnets must be accompanied by an Application Form/Formal Undertaking and CIS Premium Application Form.  We cannot release carnets until we have the original copies of these forms.

ONLINE SERVICE

Producing Carnets has never been easier thanks to introduction of e-zCert Carnet applications. You can now create your own Carnets electronically via the e-zCert service and submit them to the Norfolk Chambers for processing. This means there’s no charge for preparing the Carnet and no need to send the original documents to the Chamber. Get online and take advantage of the service that businesses all over the country are using to save time and money.

EU TRAVEL POST JANUARY 2021

You may require an ATA Carnet for travel into or through the EU from 1st January 2021.  These can be applied for as above but also click here for a Brext update guide to assist you. Take a look at our Carnet Rates. Members of Norfolk Chambers are entitled to 40% Discount on our standard rates. Members of other Eastern Chambers, can benefit from 10% Discount. For more information, a quotation or if you have any questions, please contact us on Tel. 01603 729706 or by email at: [email protected]

It is normal practice for a UK individual or company intending to import controlled goods from another COCOM (Co-ordinating Committee) member country to apply for an International Import Certificate (IIC) at the request of the Licensing Authority of the country of export.

An IIC constitutes an undertaking by the importer to import the goods into the country of destination, without diversion or transhipment elsewhere, and not to re-export the goods without an export licence from the Licensing Authority in the country of importation. It is also an assurance from the Government of that country that it will control any subsequent export of those goods.

The intended purpose of the IIC is to reduce the risk of diversion of sensitive strategic goods and technology.

Blank forms are available from the International Trade Team by calling 01603 729706.

You will need to complete the form which is quite straightforward and then send it in to us with a copy of your official order for the goods so that we can check everything is correct.

We then stamp the form and return it to you but we also send copies to our own Government and also the Government of the country from which you are importing the goods.

For up to date rules and information covering Controlled Goods, please click here.             

Please see our Export Documentation Rates for current prices. Members are entitled to 50% Discount on our standard rates for processing your Import Certificate.

What do I need to send to the Chamber with my Document?

• Completed Certificate – MUST BE TYPEWRITTEN – handwritten applications will be rejected
• Copy of your official order/contract with your overseas supplier

How do I apply for my International Import Certificate?

By Post You complete the specialised blank Certificate and send it in to us with the above listed back up documents.  We will then check and certify the Certificate and return it to you by first class post – you can also collect it if you prefer.

While you Wait You complete the specialised blank Certificate and bring it in to our office in Norwich with the above listed back up documents.  We will stop what we are doing and complete the process while you wait. Please note that this service is only available between 9.30am and 3.30pm every weekday.

Everyday Export Documents such as Arab Certificates of Origin are legalised through ourselves as part of the huge Chamber Network.

We can arrange to legalise any document for you that you may require whether it be for shipping purposes or even Regulatory Affairs such as:

Invoices Packing Lists Blacklist Certificates Health Certificates Certificates of Manufacture and Free Sale Certificates of Analysis Quality Certificates Agency/Distribution Agreements Power of Attorney Registration of Company, Product or Trademark Memorandum and Articles of Association Certificate of Incorporation Certificate of Good Standing Company Trade or Finance Report Legal Notarised Documents

Please note that every Embassy works at its own pace.  If you require legalised documents for a Letter of Credit for instance, we would recommend that you send these in to us when the goods are leaving your premises or slightly earlier if possible.  Some of the Embassies can take up to 3 or 4 weeks to complete the legalisation process.

What do I need to send to the Chamber with my Document?

For documents such as the above, we only need the originally signed document but please ensure that it is signed by someone who is listed on your Signatory Sheet.

Due to the cost of these documents, we will return them to you by Special Delivery or you can collect them – this is simply to avoid the risk of loss in the post.

How do I apply for my Document to be legalised?

When it comes to legalisation of individual documents, the Embassies will only process originally signed documents.

Please send us an email detailing what document(s) you require to be legalised and we will be able to provide you with the current cost and let you know how long the process will take. You will then need to send the documents to us in the post and we will then do the rest.

Please note that we have to send payment to the Embassy with the document so we would respectfully ask you to send in your payment with the document.

These Certificates are normally required for shipments to any of the following Arab League Nations:

Algeria, Bahrain, Iraq, Djibouti, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania,Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE and Yemen.

Some importers in these territories have special arrangements with their own customs authorities whereby UK Certificates can be used instead of the Arab. Double check with your customer which type they would prefer but as a safety net, ensure that you receive their reply in writing.

Please note that if your customer is asking for an Arab Certificate, this will mean that the document MUST be legalised by the relevant Embassy which will incur extra charges and take longer to process – call our office for an up to date cost for this as required. Please allow up to 3-4 weeks for the return of your legalised documents.

Due to the cost of these documents, we will return them to you by Special Delivery at a cost of £8+VAT, or you can collect them – this is simply to avoid the risk of loss n the post. (NOT OFFERED AT PRESENT DUE TO COVID-19 – BUT PICK UP SERVICE IS AVAILABLE IF YOU LET US KNOW).

As with the UK Certificates, you will need to include back up documents to assist us in processing the document.

Norfolk Chamber can begin the legalisation process for you. The processing fees are set by the Arab British Chamber of Commerce and relative Embassy.

What do I need to send to the Chamber with my Certificate of Origin?

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List (if the Gross Weight is not shown on your Invoice)
• Full Names and Addresses of the manufacturers should be shown on the front of each page.

Please note that if any of the goods were manufactured overseas, we require documentary proof of this, by way of a commercial document (for each item) such as the Foreign CofO or Invoice from the manufacturer.

How do I apply for my Certificate of Origin to be certified? There are several ways to send your documents to us:

e-zCert The most popular form of applying is through our fully electronic system. For Arab Certificates that require legalisation, you can apply through e-zCert using the Standard option. This means that we receive your application and print it here in our office. You  will need to send in your originally signed back up documents to us by post because the Embassies will only work against an original.  We will then send the checked and stamped documents off for completion.

By Post You complete the 3-part Arab Certificate and send it in to us with the above listed back up documents.  We will then send the checked and stamped documents off for completion.

Prep If you prefer, we can type or prep the Certificate for you, on your behalf. We will require the back up documents listed above which can in the first instance, be sent by email, in order for us to have all the required information.  Once we receive your originally signed Invoice by post, we will then send the checked and stamped documents off for completion. Please email the initial documents to: [email protected]

If you need help to complete the Certificate, please take a look at our How to Guides

We are authorised by HM Revenue & Customs, to check and stamps A.TR Movement Certificates on their behalf.

A.TR’s are certificates more commonly known as a Movement Certificates, which enable importers in Turkey to import goods under preference, which means that your customer pays a lower or nil rate of import duty on your goods.

A.TR’s are similar to EUR1’s but are only for shipments to Turkey.

You must only complete an A.TR if you know that your goods satisfy the rules of origin as detailed in Customs Notice 812. You should have a copy of the Notices BEFORE completing the A.TR – have a look at our How to Guides for a link to Notice 812.

As with all the other export documents, you will need to include back up documents with your application, to assist us with the process.

As Turkey no longer accept the electronic stamp and signature, we advise that we hold some pre-signed A.TR forms at our offices for your A.TR applications. If we do not hold any pre-signed A.TR forms for you, we will send you out 10 to be signed and returned to us. If the forms are not returned to us then a full charge will be applicable. 

What do I need to send to the Chamber with my A.TR Movement Certificate?

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List (if the Gross Weight is not shown on your Invoice)
• Exporters Statement or a copy of the Customs Entry

The Exporters Statement must be printed on your letterhead, completed and signed. You can download a copy of the standard format from our How to Guides.

Please note that if you are raising the A.TR retrospectively (after the goods have been shipped), we will also need a copy of the shipping document as proof of export.

How do I apply for my A.TR Movement Certificate to be authorised?

There are several ways to send your documents to us:

e-zCert The most popular form of applying is through our fully electronic system where you can obtain your documents.  Unfortunately Turkish Customs will not accept the electronic signature but they can still be applied for online as “standard”.   All we need is for some signed forms to be lodged with us and we can then get them out to you within 24 hours. 

By Post You complete the 2-part A.TR Movement Certificate and send it in to us with the above listed back up documents.  We will then send the checked and authorised documents back to you by first class post.

While you Wait You complete the 2-part A.TR Movement Certificate and bring it in to our office in Norwich with the above listed back up documents. We will stop what we are doing and complete the process while you wait. Please note that this service is only available between 9.30am and 3.30pm every weekday.

If you need help to complete the certificate, please take a look at our How to Guides